BOYS BASKETBALL

Boys basketball | Basketball in the family for Parker cousins Jabari, Jay

December 11, 2010|By Bob Narang | Tribune Reporter

There was a time when Jay Parker carried the family name on the basketball court.

Younger cousin Jabari Parker recalls those days as a third-grader playing with his fifth-grade cousin for Illinois Heat coach Terry Head.

"(Jay) was on another level than me. He was faster, more athletic, and I was the garbage man," Jabari, a sophomore at Simeon, said. "I picked up his trash."

Seven years later the Parker boys are competing for the same prize, but on different teams. Jay, a senior, is one of the key cogs for No. 12 Thornton . Jabari headlines No. 1 Simeon's talented roster and is hailed as one of the top sophomores in the country.

The two share a bond that comes with the family's royal status on the Chicago basketball scene. Jabari's father, Sonny Parker, is a legend in the city after playing six years in the NBA and establishing the Sonny Parker Youth Foundation, a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to helping youth with their future.

That's exactly what Sonny did during those weekends not so long ago when Jay would stay at Sonny's house.

"We basically grew up together," Jay said. "It's real special, both us doing well. This is what we've always talked about when we were little. It came true."

"(Jay) and Jabari are both so competitive," said Sonny Parker, a first-round pick of the Golden State Warriors in 1976. "They both don't like losing. They would rather win as a team than care about personal stats. They're both doing well, and our family is very spiritual and close. Family is important."

Last Sunday at the Chicago Public Schools Holiday Basketball Showcase, Jay Parker had six points, five assists and four steals to help Thornton defeat Von Steuben.

Eight hours later, in front of Chicago greats Marcus Liberty, Derrick Rose and Bobby Simmons, Jabari was the main attraction in Simeon's 57-29 win against Hillcrest. Although Parker had only four points and six rebounds, he made a lasting imprint with his athleticism and unselfish play.

After to a courtside seat in the second half, Liberty, who was ranked the No. 1 high school player in the country while at King in 1987, called Parker a gifted player.

"The sky is the limit with Jabari," said Liberty, a former Illinois standout who played four years in the NBA. "He's going to be special, one of those players that will take Chicago basketball to the next level."

The first freshman to start in Simeon history last year, Jabari carries the weight of the family name — Jay's brother Josh is a junior on Dayton's basketball team — and the Wolverines' vast hoops heritage.

"I have to work hard, and I know that I can be an All-American in two years," Jabari said. "I can't be complacent and have to be aggressive. Sometimes I can be too nonchalant in a game."

Jabari, 15, is a strapping 6-foot-7, 210 pounds. He has barely dabbled in weight training because he doesn't want to damage his growth plates. He's expected to grow at least 2 or 3 more inches.

"I want my son to be a team player like Derrick (Rose)," Sonny Parker said. "He's got great potential, and playing with (Simeon) coach Robert Smith really prepares him. That's why we chose a program like Simeon."

Jabari credits the early days playing with his cousin for helping his development.

"The reason I'm where I'm at was (Jay) was always better than me and he started pushing me to be a better player and keep me going," Jabari said. "He really helped me."

The Parker file

Who: Jay is a 5-11 senior point guard at Thornton. Jabari is a 6-7, 210-pound sophomore at Simeon.